CONGREGATION P’NAI TIKVAH
Kol Kiruv September 2015
Elul-Tishri
Happenings
1
Rabbi's Message
2-6
Cantor’s Notes
7
President’s Message
8-9
CPT Outreach
10
High Holiday Calendar
11
Children’s HH Happening
12
Brunch with Brilliants
13
CPT Book Club
14
Kidz Corner
15
The Wise Chelmites and the Etrog
16
Sukkot is Right Around the Corner
17
Kol Isha II
18
Women’s Rosh Chodesh
19
Oneg Calendar
20
Course Offerings
21-22
Community Trip to Israel
23
Birthdays and Anniversaries
24
Yahrzeits
25
Book Of Remembrance
19
Community Happenings
26-29
Nid’vei Leiv—From the Heart
30
Contribution Form
31
Calendar at a Glance
32
Vol. 22—No. 3
Clergy and Staff Rabbi: Yocheved Mintz Cantor: Marla Goldberg Accompanist: Timothy Cooper Newsletter: Nancey Eason Educator: Rabbi Mintz , Cantor Marla Goldberg Bookkeeper: Lynn Pisetzner Office Administrator: Nancey Eason info@pnaitikvahlv.org www.pnaitikvahlv.org
Congregation P’nai Tikvah will worship on Shabbat, September 4th and September 18th at Kraft-Sussman Chapel, in the Bank of Nevada Business Park at 3975 S. Durango, Suite 104, in Las Vegas. Tot ShabbatKabbalat Shabbat and Maariv services will begin at 6:30 PM on September 4th and Kabbalat Shabbat and Maariv services will begin at 7:30 PM on September 18th. Torah Study will take place at 10:00 AM on September 5th and 19th at Rabbi Mintz’s home. A bagels and lox brunch is served. Please RSVP by emailing info@pnaitikvahlv.org.
If you would like a copy of Kol Kiruv sent to your home, please send $72.00, along with your address to Administrative Office, 2045 Grouse Street, Las Vegas, NV 89134.
Message from the Rabbi Dear Chevreh: There’s an old song that has popped into my head that may help you understand where I’m going with my message this month. Some of the lyrics go: “First you say you do, and then you don’t; and then you say you will, and then you won’t; you’re undecided now…So what are we gonna do?” While we are now in the period of deep self-reflection, I suspect many of us are also reflecting on the world situation, as am I. So permit me to spend some time sharing the personal journey I am having wrestling with the issue of the so-called “Iran Deal”: First of all, let us be clear that this is not a partisan political issue; I view this as a world issue of existential proportions, and, therefore, one that needs attention, discussion, and a great deal of thought. It is also a rather personal issue, as most of my family, aunts and uncles, and hundreds of cousins, live in Israel, and, therefore, give me added impetus to scrutinize the Iran Deal, as it clearly affects both Israel and the entire Western World. That being said, hopefully, most of us have been giving it that thought and have not simply offered knee-jerk reactions. Secondly, we probably can agree that peace plans are negotiated between enemies, there being no need for negotiating peace between friends. Iran is no friend of peace-loving nations and has openly declared its animosity towards the West and Israel, in particular. And, thirdly, in any negotiation, one’s leverage often determines the outcome. If this plan goes through, and sanctions are lifted, our economic leverage is gone. With those items in mind, I initially looked at the plan and came away with the following gut reactions: Yay! We’ve stuck through the excruciating negotiations and have actually agreed upon a plan….but, oy! This seems to be a severely flawed plan. Double oy!! Israel is put in a very tenuous position if the plan is accepted. Triple oy!! Is this just kicking the can down the road?! But if we don’t accept it, what leverage do we have to get a better plan? Questions have been none-stop since the plan was announced, and, to be honest, the answers have not been satisfying. Any way I’ve looked at this, I’ve come away dissatisfied; yet I know that I need to determine a rationale that makes sense for me intellectually and, hopefully, emotionally….one way or the other, so here is how I’ve gone about analyzing the situation: What do I know (as opposed to what to I feel, or think): 1) Iran is a state-sponsor of terrorism. It funds and trains Shi’ite militants, rebel groups, and terrorist organizations in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Bahrain, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Gaza, and Yemen. 2) The Iranian regime has threatened to “wipe Israel off the map,” and has viewed Western culture as toxic to the Islamic vision, since 1979.
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3) The United States, unwittingly, actually helped set this up with our complicity in the 1979 revolution. Shaul Bakhash, 1 wrote: “The relationship [of the United States with Iran, had] generally been close, but it has been punctuated first by the involvement of the CIA in the coup of 1953 which overthrew a popular prime minister, Mohammed Mossadegh, and then by the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which led to a breach in relations that has not yet been repaired. Indeed, two countries that were once close friends and allies now see each other, respectively, as the “Great Satan” and a member of an “Axis of Evil.” 4) Although Iranian President, Hassan Rouhani, had made campaign promises of reform and moderation regarding brutal repression and internal dissent, he has not delivered on those promises. (Just this past June, the U.S. State Department reported on Iran’s policy of “judicially sanctioned amputations and floggings,” “severe restrictions on freedom of speech…and press,” and “discrimination and violence against women, ethnic and religious minorities, and… [LGBTQ] persons.” Iran holds three U.S. citizens hostage, including imprisoned Washington Post reporter, Jason Rezaian, and has withheld information on the whereabouts of a fourth U.S. citizen, last seen in Iran. 5) As a party to the NPT (Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty), Iran has disregarded its sworn oath to never obtain nuclear weapons or to use nuclear technology for military purposes. Less than transparent in its nuclear activities, it has consistently cheated and lied to the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency). So it would seem that the deal is unacceptable on at least five issues: 1) It does not allow for an “anytime, anywhere” inspection, i.e., no surprise visits. (I think it could require something like a 24-day approval process, which could certainly allow Iran time to remove or sequester evidence of violations.)2 2) It is unclear to me to what extent, if at all, this plan requires Iran to come clean on its prior nuclear weaponization efforts. What, if any, consequences could the IAEA enforce if it is unsatisfied with Iran’s explanation? 3) The current economic sanctions would be immediately relieved, flooding Iran with up to $150 billion. There does not seem to be any specified consequences for use of all or part of that funding to enrich the coffers of the various terrorist groups already being funded by Iran. Furthermore, it is unclear whether the U.S. could restore sanctions with the proposed “snapback” measures, as they might not pertain to investments and contracts already reached with Iran. 1
Shaul Bakhash is the Clarence Robinson professor of history at George Mason University. This excerpt is from an essay based on his presentation at “U.S. Foreign Policy and the Modern Middle East,” a Summer Institute for Teachers sponsored by The American Institute for History Education and The Watchman Center of the Foreign Policy Research Institute, held June 25-27, 2009 2
Of course, this could not cover up actual evidence of nuclear action, as the half-life of Carbon-14, for instance, is 5,743 years.
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4) While one would hope that the plan would block Iran’s nuclear weapons quest indefinitely, the proposed deal would seem to legitimize Iran’s nuclear program because the restrictions begin to be lifted after 8 years and seems to grant a full breakout time in 15 years. 5) Finally, while one would hope that the current status of nuclear infrastructure would be dismantled, so that its path to nuclear weaponry would be blocked, this deal proposes an alteration of Iran’s Arak heavy water reactor, but does not require dismantlement of any other Iranian nuclear facility or centrifuges. G’valt, that could seem to lead to at least six unacceptable consequences: 1) It might legitimize Iran as a nuclear threshold state. 2) It could raise the prospect of war, as it would seem to be leaving the Middle East, already in turmoil, as even far less stable. 3) It could likely be the impetus for an increase in the nuclear arms race, in the Middle East. 4) It seems most likely that it would allow Iran to increase its support of terrorism in the Middle East and around the world. 5) It clearly would strengthen the Iranian regime and legitimize it internationally. 6) It seems to place the United States in a position of seeming to abandon its commitments to Israel, and, thereby, it might lesson our credibility in the Middle East. At first glance, it would seem obvious that we should reject the deal, but nothing is really obvious, and, noting that over 100 former American ambassadors stated in a letter to the President that the Iran deal “deserves Congressional support”; that former Secretary of State, Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of Defense, William Perry, and sixty other national security advisors called the deal “a landmark agreement, unprecedented in its importance for preventing the acquisition of nuclear weapons by Iran”; and even some Israeli security experts (former Sin Bet head, Ami Ayalon, and Major General [ret.] Amram Mitzna , in addition to Shaul Halevy) consider the deal to be the best alternative and say that “must not be rejected, I continued to ask myself additional questions: 1) Would the acceptance of a flawed deal, as this seems to be, really make Israel (and America, for that matter) less safe than a failed deal? I’m not so sure. a. Suppose the deal sticks, but there is a decision, as some have suggested, to fight, rather than try to fix. Would it be a quick strike or might it embroil us further. (Think: Iraq debacle.) b. If the dire predictions come true, and Iran tries to build a nuclear armament anyhow, I’m less concerned about opponents to the deal saying, “I told you so,” and more hopeful that that the West (and Israel),having far more intelligence because of the deal would also be far more united with our allies against Iran for blowing their side of the deal.
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c. If the deal goes through, it would behoove the U.S. and Israel to make strategic moves for the what-if’s, just in case. (I suspect that we’ve already started down this path). d. But, G-d forbid, if this also results in a break in relations between Israel and the United States, those organizations who oppose whatever it is that causes the break could seem weak. 2) If the deal is defeated, however, there are a couple of possibilities: a. Rob Eshman, of the L.A. Jewish Journal, (who feels we should accept the deal), envisions the possibility that the “the nations of the world and Iran, under unilateral U.S. pressure and the threat of war, will return to the negotiating table and forge a better deal,” 3 as wishful thinking. b. Former Mossad head Efraim Halevy wrote his predictions in HaAretz, in midAugust: 4 “If the U.S. rejects the agreement, it will fall apart. This means Iran will be free to renew its nuclear activities…the international sanctions regime will collapse. The U.S. will be the only country to maintain its sanctions, while Russia and China will rush to renew arms sales to Tehran, with Moscow helping the Islamic Republic develop its missile arsenal, as it has done in the past. This is the immediate and tangible price to pay for the failure of the deal.” However, even as I wonder what leverage remains, how this will affect the lives of the Jews remaining in Iran or Iranian Jews living elsewhere in the world (think of the 1994 attack on the AMIA Jewish Community Center in Argentina, believed to have been perpetrated by agents of the Iranian Islamic Republic), or how we’re going to soothe the growing schism in the American Jewish community; no matter how many if’s or buts that come to mind, I still cannot dismiss the very fact that this deal was negotiated over an extenuated period of time, by statesmen far more savvy than I… So, where does your Rabbi stand on this most important issue? As of the beginning of the month of ELUL, the month where we are encouraged to “run out to the field to meet the Sovereign of Sovereigns of Sovereigns,” I continue to question, seek counsel, and be open to rational arguments on all sides. I try not to be swayed by fear tactics, déjà-vu comparisons to Neville Chamberlain’s “peace in our times,” declaration, nor even histrionics from beloved governmental figures in Israel and here at home, (although I must admit that they do hit me in my kishkes) If the deal is rejected, will there be a collapse of diplomacy and international sanctions as Iran pushes forward with a nuclear program unimpeded? If the deal goes forward are there enough safeguards in it to impede Iran from going forward with its nuclear program? Will the United States be able to sufficiently bolster Israel’s ability to protect herself whether or not the deal is accepted? 3
Jewish Journal, August 14-20, 2015, p. 7.
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Halevy has been a long proponent of seeking peace through negotiations.
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Sadly observing the widening fissure in the American Jewish community as it squabbles over the Iran deal, I am re-doubling my commitment towards building (or, in this case, preserving) community; and am actively working with other members of the Las Vegas Board of Rabbis, local philanthropist, Jeffery Moskow, and other interested lay leaders to promote “A Year of Dialogue,” a series of conversations on pertinent topics throughout the valley. To that end, I pray for openness, honesty, and courtesy in our conversations between one-another. The bottom line is that I know that I cannot say anything, either way, with certainty--it would take divine prescience to say anything with certainty; but, at this point I am hearing another song twirling around in my brain. It goes: “All we are saying is give peace a chance…” Ken y’hi ratzon…may it be so. May this month of ELUL bring us clarity, allow us to be rationale and honest in civil discourse with one another and with our Creator, and point us to the new year, b’ezrat HaShem, of peace, unity, and completeness. L’Shalom u-l’Shleimut. L’Shanah Tovah Tikateivu,
Rabbi Yocheved Mintz
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Cantor’s Notes A Note From the Cantor What happens when you hear the melodies of the High Holy Day services? How do they make you feel? Do they create a different emotional response for you than the melodies of Shabbat? For me, they definitely do. There is something about the melodic refrains that are sung throughout Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur that enters my soul. They help me to reflect on the past year, and look toward the approaching year with new ambition and hope. The melodies were written for this purpose. Those who created the motifs used for our High Holyday worship wanted this type of emotional response to hearing the songs. Some of the emotional response comes from previous experience with attending services for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. When I was a little girl I remember sitting at Rosh Hashanah services listening with awe and being incredibly inspired as Julie Mirel, my Rabbi’s wife and wonderful singer, chanted the Avinu Malkeinu by Max Janoski. This is a piece that, if I don’t hear it (or sing it), my holiday is not complete. Many people feel that way about many melodies for the Holy Days. Now I hope that I inspire people with my rendition of that same Avinu Malkeinu. It is a powerful, emotional piece that I try to put my whole nishamah, my soul, into. There are other melodies that make the High Holydays complete as well. When you attend services this year, try to listen to the specific Holy Day motif that runs throughout the services. You will hear the same melody many times beginning with the song, L’Shanah Tovah. This song is written with the High Holyday motif, the musical theme. You will hear it in the Bar’chu, the Mi Chamocha, the Chatzi Kaddish and other parts of the services. As we move into Yom Kippur, the motif is still there and is joined by motifs from the Kol Nidre. You can hear bits of the Kol Nidre melody within other songs I will sing during our worship. Kol Nidre is another melody that people have a very emotional connection to during this season. Without it, the day just doesn’t seem right. As Yom Kippur begins to wind down, we have the N’ila service. This service brings the close of the Day of Atonement with another motif. The N’ila service talks of the sun beginning to come down and its motif is a melody that reflects the imagery of the sun setting, the doors closing, and the last chance of repentance for the year is close by. With this motif we hope that the final words of the B’Rosh Hashanah prayer, “But prayer, repentance and charity will reverse God’s severe decree”. So, when you attend our services this year, focus on how the music makes you feel. Which songs or prayers give you that connection? Some may be songs you have heard for many years; some may be new to you. It is the emotional connection that can help you find new meaning in each Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur every year. Finally, if I have given any offense in the past year, I ask for forgiveness. L’Shalom and Shana Tovah, Cantor Marla Goldberg 7
President’s Message
Here I am, late at night again, this time sitting in my new office, but still looking at my work computer and, once again, fielding emails coming from all directions: The Rabbi, our marketing staff, our bookkeeper, directors, this season’s Roast Committee, our High Holidays volunteers, just to list a few from my daily reading pertaining to our Congregation business. These emails come every day, and night, literally. I find myself answering many of these emails around twelve midnight. Sounds just like last year, no?
Last year we were looking forward to our first year of “Brunch with Brilliants” and what a series it was! We’re about to start our second year with this series and each offering looks like it’ll sell out. At this point, we have four season ticket holders and it looks like we may need to find a bigger venue for the popular series. Last year, Rabbi started a Biblical Hebrew class started last year continues and has a new section beginning. The Chai Mitzvah group decided to continue their studies and has a great calendar of sessions. Our Jewlicious Learners are a joy and we’re still smiling about the production the kids did in June. I can’t help but wonder what they’ll come up with this year. I took Intro to Talmud last year and that was really eyeopening. Rabbi Mintz is offering it again this year, in the Winter months. I’m personally looking forward to Spring, when my granddaughter, Samantha, will become a Bat Mitzvah… And, wow, how exciting is it to think about our sacred and spiritual gatherings as a Community on Shabbat and our High Holiday services, (just around the corner!). Slichot, beginning with Havdallah and wine and desserts, once again at the Rabbi’s home. (I hear that the Rabbi has some introspection exercises for us this year….should be thought-provoking.) We’re already planning a very fun Chanukah Bowlathon, December13th, at the Red Rock Hotel bowling lanes! Support your favorite bowlers on Team Maccabee, Team DreidelKopf, or Team LotsaLatkes! And, as I remember the fabulous Roast you all did on me last year, I’m thinking about how I can skewer Sam Lieberman when we Roast him January 31st As our past CPT President, Sam will be in the hot seat as many presenters will be coming to that brunch to have some fun at his expense!
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As we all begin a new year, be sure to return your renewal commitment forms back to Nancey, in the office, along with your pledge and initial payments. And, remember, tickets to the High Holiday services (at Sunset Station, this year) are free to each member in good standing, but you still have to let the office know that you want tickets. If you have not returned your renewals or have misplaced them please call up the office at 702-869-2700. You, our members, are our fuel that makes the synagogue run. And if you haven’t already done so, be sure tp contact the office so that your love ones can be included in the Book of Remembrance. It is a mitzvah to honor them. As President of CPT, it is my fiduciary responsibility to see to it that we become fiscally viable, so I spent some time last year looking through the Torah and Pirkei Avot to find some sophisticated and classy way of asking our membership and the worshipers who will be attending our High Holiday services to please be generous and contribute their Kol Nidre donations to our Shul, or what the Rabbi calls it, N’divei Lev/ “donations from the heart”. Guess what I found? The direct approach! From the days of Moses, our People have supported the priests. No pleading, just the bare facts based on what we would call today, “their income”- each contributing their fair share base on their livelihood, often in the form of a direct commandment from Hashem to Moses. We don’t have “dues” per se, but rather depend on individuals pledging what they deem to be their fair share to help defray our expenses. You are welcome to look at the budget anytime, and you’ll know that every person’s contribution is much needed. The Rabbi and Cantor provide our spiritual foundation and we, together and individually, support our financial foundation. We depend upon one another. On behalf of our spiritual leaders and the board, we thank you in advance for your donations from the heart. If you have time to volunteer on our many committees, please contact Nancey who can send you to our committee list and a description of each committee. Please invite your friends, especially those who are looking for a CHANGE, a breath of fresh air, to pray with us. New membership is important as it too is the life-blood of our Congregation. Looking forward to spending Shabbat with you all- and thank you for all that you do for our Shul. L’Shana Tovah Tikateivu,
Barbara Holland, President of the Board
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“ We Are P’nai Tikvah” The Membership/Outreach Committee is embarking on an effort to let us get to know one another better. Each month they will be asking questions of a member and sharing their responses in the newsletter. This month they interviewed Marc Fox, Board Member & Cindy Fox, Publicity for Congregation P’nai Tikvah. What brought you to Congregation P'nai Tikvah? Having lived in many communities from Philadelphia and New Jersey to Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia, to Dayton, Ohio and Framingham, MA, we have found connection and meaning through our synagogue community. We were looking for a community we could call/make home. We joined CPT because of the 'chavurah-feel' of the congregation and our hardworking Rabbi. We also loved that the smallest congregation worked so hard to have high holiday services available at no cost for all. What keeps you involved in Congregation P'nai Tikvah? We really love this small, and tight-knit congregation, modeled in the true spirit ot Tikkun Olam. The thoughtful, meaningful and inspiring teachings of the Rabbi, Cantor and members, and a congregation committed to life-long Jewish learning. What has Congregation P'nai Tikvah brought/added to your life? The anchor of a greater loving, learning, accepting Jewish family here in the seeming impermanence and fantasy of Las Vegas. What do you or would you like to bring to the congregation to help it grow and thrive? The sum of our experiences in the Jewish and wider world, helping us to recognize the extraordinary talents and abilities that so many others bring to our congregation from so many different quarters
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New! Children’s High Holiday Happening FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN KINDERGARTEN TO 5TH GRADE FREE, DONATIONS WELCOME
LISTEN, PLAY, CREATE, TASTE, UNDERSTAND, PRAY, SING, PLAN, BLESS AND BE BLESSED
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 2-3:30 PM ADELSON EDUCATIONAL CAMPUS
RSVP REQUIRED. Visit pnaitikvahlv.org or call (702) 436-4900 12
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WHO: WHEN:
WHERE:
WHAT:
P’nai Tikvah Book Group 5776 is any CPT member October 8-THE BOSTON GIRL by Anita Diamant January 21-WHY WE REMAIN JEWS by Vladimir Tsesis May 19-View/discuss FOLLOW ME: THE YONI NETANYAHU STORY Home of Jane Kusel 702-407-5077 kuseld@yahoo.com 3 evenings translated into 3 journeys of the senses through shared dissections of the readings below. *Limited to 12 voices-please RSVP in a timely fashion
October 6
When Addie Baum's 22-year old granddaughter asks her about her childhood, Addie realises the moment has come to relive the full history that shaped her. Addie Baum was a Boston Girl, born in 1900 to immigrant Jewish parents who lived a very modest life. But Addie's intelligence and curiosity propelled her to a more modern path. Addie wanted to finish high school and to go to college. She wanted a career, to find true love. She wanted to escape the confines of her family. And she did. Told against the backdrop of World War I, and written with the same immense emotional impact that has made Diamant's previous novels bestsellers, The Boston Girl is a moving portrait of one woman's complicated life in the early 20th Century, and a window into the lives of all women seeking to understand the world around them.
In searching for solutions facing each human being about the meaning of life and the place of the human race in the universe, Tsesis, by masterfully presenting unforgettable episodes of his life, comes to the conclusion that all attempts to explain the fundamental aspects of existence require the recognition of God. January 21
The story of Yonatan Netanyahu, commander of an elite Israeli army commando unit who was killed during Operation Entebbe, a hostage-rescue mission carried out at Entebbe Airport in Uganda on July 4, 1976, after members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine and the German Revolutionary Cells hijacked an Air France plane with 248 passengers aboard. May 19 14
KIDZ KORNER for September
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The Wise Chelmites and the Etrog The president of the shul in Chelm had purchased an etrog for Sukkot, and the trustees were simply delighted with it. This was no ordinary etrog. It had come straight from Eretz Yisroel. It was as yellow as the yellowest etrog. It was as fragrant as the most fragrant etrog. It was an etrog without blemish as any perfect etrog should be. And best of all, it had a firm and dainty pitom. In short, this was an etrog! The president wanted all the wise residents of Chelm to be able to say the traditional Sukkot blessing using this etrog, but actually doing such jobs was the sexton’s duty. The president was somewhat apprehensive of the sexton’s carelessness, so he gave him very careful instructions about the etrog’s proper handling. “Remember!” he said. “This etrog is an etrog! Handle it with tenderness. Be especially careful that the pitom should not be spoiled by handling, since this will make the etrog unsuitable for use. Remember! This etrog is an etrog!” The sexton, energized by his holy mission, clutched the etrog in both his hands and started out through the streets of Chelm. Suddenly he was stricken with doubt and he stopped in his tracks. He held the etrog up, level with his eyes, and examined it all over. He must take very good care of this etrog. Nothing must happen to it. The president had warned him about how important it was to protect it from damage—especially its pitom. What to do? How to protect it? Ahah, inspiration! —he had just the perfect solution! No sooner said than done! The sexton dug a sharp knife out of his pocket and with extreme care, cut the pitom off the etrog. The president had told him that he must take good care of it; he would never dare disobey the president. With tenderness he wrapped the pitom in a clean handkerchief and gently placed it in his breast pocket. Then, with joy and pride, he continued on to the homes of the wise Chelmites to allow them to recite the Sukkot blessing using the perfect etrog. As the sexton entered each home, he reiterated the president’s admonition, “Remember! This etrog is an etrog!” —Adapted from Philip Goodman, The Rosh Hashanah Anthology, Jewish Publication Society http://kehillatisrael.net/chagim/sukkot/sukkot_humor.html
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Sukkot is right around the corner
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Women’s Rosh Chodesh to Attend Kol Isha II Women's Rosh Chodesh Group celebrates Cheshvan by attending the Kol Isha Concert with dinner afterwards. Each person will purchase their own meal. King David Memorial Chapel and Cemetery to Host 2nd Annual ‘Kol Isha’ Women’s Voices a Concert to Benefit Susan G. Komen of Southern Nevada, October 11, Las Vegas female cantors and vocal soloists come together to raise funds for breast cancer awareness Guests are invited to submit a photo of anyone they have lost to breast cancer or survivors of breast cancer and the faces and names will be honored in a video slide show during the concert. The concert will be followed by a reception with themed food and drink. King David’s ‘Kol Isha’ Concert is open to the public and guests are encouraged to wear pink in support of breast cancer awareness. Tickets will be available for purchase in September and proceeds will benefit Susan G. Komen of Southern Nevada. For more information about the ‘Kol Isha’ Concert or King David Memorial Chapel and Cemetery, visit www.kingdavidlv.com or call (702) 464-8570. 18
Congregation P’nai Tikvah Women’s Rosh Chodesh Group If you are interested in hosting, please contact the office 702.436.4900
October 11, 2015
Cheshvan
Attending Kol Isha II Concert at 3:00 PM with dinner afterwards
November 15, 2015
Kislev
Interfaith Council-Judaism and Peace-Rabbi Yocheved Mintz, panelist , dinner before panel
December 13, 2015
Tevet
Home of Laurie Lytel
January 10, 2016
Shevat
Home of Ellen Royer
February 7, 2016
Adar I
Home of Annie Wolff
March 13, 2016
Adar II
Home of Ann Mandell
April 10, 2016
Nisan
Home of Jennifer Cohen
May 15, 2016
Iyyar
Home of Eileen Ancman
June 5, 2016
Sivan
Home of Rabbi Yocheved Mintz
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SIGN UP TO SPONSOR AND/OR CATER AN ONEG Our first and third Friday evening services create space for people to socialize, to talk over the ideas Rabbi Mintz has shared in her sermon, and to meet one another. Sponsoring and/or catering the Oneg Shabbat is a lovely way to share joy of Shabbat with the community. Any reason is a good reason to sponsor and/or cater an Oneg! Perhaps you are marking a special event (a birth, baby-naming, engagement, wedding, anniversary, graduation, bar/bat mitzvah) or you want to remember a loved one in a special way, or celebrate a return to health, a new job…or any reason.
August 7
Sponsored by Dr. Meera and Dr. Minao Kamegai in honor of Meera’s 85th Birthday and Catered by Ann Ullman in honor of Gary Ullman’s Birthday and Jennifer and Jerry Cohen in honor of their anniversary.
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June 17
Sponsored by and/or Catered by 20
CLASS OFFERINGS BIBLICAL HEBREW I and III* taught by RABBI YOCHEVED MINTZ Knowledge of Hebrew Alphabet Required Six Student Minimum to Start “GET BUSY WITH THE WORDS OF TORAH” Biblical Hebrew I-Wednesday Nights 10/28, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16 7:00 PM—8:30 PM Biblical Hebrew III 8/26, 9/2, 9/9, 9/16, 9/30, 10/7, 10/21, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9 7:00 PM—8:30PM RSVP 702.436.4900 info@pnaitikvahlv.org *continuing students or permission of instructor
IVDU
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HASHEM B’SIMCHA
Jewish Liturgy as a Spiritual System
Come on a journey of joy as we discover what Jewish Liturgy has to offer us today as a Spiritual System. This first 10-week session is planned for Monday evenings starting in Winter 2015 165.00 for members 215.00 for non members minimum of six students to begin Contact 702.436.4900 for more information 21
: s l e he
‌ d W u g m l n Ta Traini d u h wit to Talm o r t n I
Ten weeks starting in the Winter 2015 Cost: $165.00 for members $215.00 for non-members 6 participants to start a session Call the office: 702-436-4900
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COMMUNITY TRIP TO ISRAEL June 27 to July 7th, 2016 SIGN UP TO RECEIVE INFORMATION AS IT BECOMES AVAILABLE INFO@PNAITIKVAHLV.ORG
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Sofia Abrams
2-Sep
Danny Royer
4-Sep
David Clark
6-Sep
Jackie Ackerman
11-Sep
Ben Wilreker
15-Sep
Andy Holland
20-Sep
Anne Ullman
25-Sep
Emma Kraft
30-Sep
Michael Nussbaum & Lorraine Brown Evelyn & Kenneth Clark
20-Sep 28-Sep
Jewlicious Learners Classes continue in October of 2015, Monday afternoons at the Rabbi’s home, from 4:15 to 6:00, October to June. Fall Registration is open. For $40.00 a prayer book can either be purchased for personal use or be dedicated to the congregation “In Memory” or “In Honor of” and a card from CPT will be sent to the family. The prayer book plate will be placed on the inside cover of our new Kol HaNeshamah siddur. VOLUNTEERISM ABOUNDS AT CPT Homes are always needed for the various activities and meetings of our congregation. Offer a Personal prayer – If you’d like to write your own, please do so. If you would like to see it published in the newsletter. 24
For the Month of September
Abraham Ancman -Remembered by the Ancman Family Jeffrey Bernstein -Remembered by Harriet Bernstein Gabriel Eugene Blechman -Remembered by Maxine Blechman Evelyn Judd -Remembered by Marlene Marcus Irving Malerman Remembered by Cindy Fox
Tille Rauch -Remembered by Gloria Granat
Memorial plaques are available; to honor the departed, to inspire the living. to be remembered in the hearts of those we leave behind is, in a sense, to live forever.
Ada Rosenstein -Remembered by Sondra Rose
For further information, call the Synagogue office at 702-436-4900
Bell Berland Mogliner -Remembered by Maxine Blechman
Rabbi Richard Schachet -Remembered by CPT Congregation 25
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES Jewish Free Loan Program-The Jewish Free Loan Program (JFL) was established by the Jewish Federation and administered by the Jewish Family Service Agency to assist members of our Jewish community with short-term, no-interest loans of up to $2,500. For more information about the Jewish Free Loan Program please contact Renea Parr at the Jewish Family Service Agency (rparr@jfsalv.org) or 702-732-0304. United Way Fund for Families-Our Jewish Federation has a close working partnership with United Way and the Marilyn & Tom Spiegel Fund for Families. The fund was established by the Spiegel's to specifically address financial needs for families with children who are struggling to make "ends meets" and who are committed to providing a wholesome family environment for their children in spite of short-term financial insecurity. To learn more about this program please contact Jewish Federation at 702-732-0556.
Find us on the second floor of Center for Social Justice in Houssels House, across from the Architecture Library. Matthew Kramer-Morning | Director, The Hillel Jewish Student Center at UNLV Sigesmund Center | 2317 Renaissance Drive | Las Vegas, NV 89119 Email: Matthew@jewishlasvegas.com
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Congregation P’Nai Tikvah has 27 households signed up which has earned us $750.00 in the last year. OUR SMITH’S NPO NUMBER IS 61229. TO USE THE SMITH’S COMMUNITY REWARDS PROGRAM: Register online at www.smithscommunityrewards.com · Customers must have a registered Smith’s rewards card account to link to your organization. · If you does not yet have a Smith’s rewards card, they are available at the customer service desk at any Smith’s. · Click on 'Create and Account' box · Sign up for a Smith’s Rewards Account entering your email address and creating a password, by entering zip code, clicking on favorite store, agreeing to the terms and conditions. · A message will show up for you to check your email inbox and then click on the link within the body of the email. · Click on “My Account” and use your email address and password to proceed to the next step. · Click on Edit Smith’s Community Rewards information and input your Smith’s rewards card number. · Update or confirm your information. · Enter NPO number or name of organization, select organization from list and click on confirm. · To verify you are enrolled correctly, you will see your organization’s name on the right side of your information page. · Do you use your phone number at the register? Call 800-576-4377, select option 4 to get your Smith’s rewards card number. · Members must swipe their registered Smith’s rewards card or use the phone number that is related to their registered Smith’s rewards card when shopping for each purchase to count..
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Nid’vei Lev- Donations from the Heart Rabbi Discretionary Fund David Aris In memory of In blessed memory of Sam Bender from Eliot and Zandra Bender In blessed memory of Solomon Tzorfas father of Evelyn Clark from Evelyn Clark In blessed memory of Jean Tzorfas, mother of Evelyn Clark from Evelyn Clark Nid’vei Lev In gratitude of Rabbi Mintz’s hospitality from Florence Frost In gratitude of Rabbi Mintz’s hospitality from Arlene Zonder Torah Study David Aris Carolyn Stewart Annie Wolff
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September 1 September 2 September 4 September 5 September 5 September 7 September 9 September 13 September 14 September 15 September 15 September 16 September 18 September 19 September 22 September 23 September 27 September 28October 4 September 29 September 30 October 2 October 3 October 5 October 6 October 6 October 7 October 8
CALENDAR AT A GLANCE: 6:30 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00PM Biblical Hebrew III 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat and Ma’ariv at the Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Ki Tavo at the Home of Rabbi Mintz 7:00 PM S’lichot; Havdallah, Reflections, Wine and Dessert at the Home of Rabbi Mintz Labor Day-Office Closed 7:00PM Biblical Hebrew III 7:00 PM Rosh HaShanah 5776 Service-Sunset Station 10:00 AM Rosh HaShanah 5776 Service-Sunset Station 5:00 PM Tashlich at Desert Shores, Lake Jacqueline at the corner of Regatta Drive and Mariner Drive, Las Vegas 6:30 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00PM Biblical Hebrew III 7:30 PM Kabbalat and Ma’ariv at the Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Par’shat Vayelech at the Home of Rabbi Mintz 7:00 PM Erev Yom Kippur Service-Kol Nidrei-Sunset Station 10:00 AM Yom Kippur 5776-Sunset Station 11:00 AM Brunch with Brilliants featuring Dr. Debora Barney Sukkot 6:30 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00PM Biblical Hebrew III 6:30 PM Tot Shabbat, Kabbalat and Ma’ariv at the Kraft Sussman Chapel 10:00 AM Torah Study-Hol Ha Mo’ed Sukkot at the Home of Rabbi Mintz Shmini Atzeret Simchat Torah 6:30 PM Jewish, Alive and American 7:00PM Biblical Hebrew III 6:45 PM CPT Book Club at the home of Jane Kusel
Blessing for the Month of ELUL: May we be blessed with awareness of self as we review, assess, and evaluate the personal accomplishments, challenges, and shortcomings of 5775 and start the process of Teshuvah to enable us to start anew in the upcoming 5776. 32